Congress wants its lobbying money

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are getting taken over by federal government under terms of legislation that went through what we think is our Congress.

The first version of the bill prohibited the Government Sponsored Enterprises' lobbying activities. The one that finally passed dropped that prohibition. Congress in all its selfishness said FNMA and Freddie had to mend all their ways except for lobbying.

What about their Redskins tickets? What about the free trips to fancy places for "conferences and education?" What about their Saturday Night dinner reservations at fancy D.C. restaurants and golf at fancy private clubs? All paid for by your friendly neighborhood lobbyist.

Thankfully when everything was finally going through the ringer, Secretary of The Treasury Hank Paulson stepped in and took over failing GSEs. First thing he stopped were lobbying Activities.

That's why Congress will be holding hearings about what was done. How dare a member of the evil Bush Administration cut off their undeserved largesse received from two of the biggest lobbying organizations? The pacifier was ripped out of Congress' mouth and congressmen are out for blood.

The hearings will be all smooth and nice, but you can bet that what they want is that lobbying money. They don't care how much this bailout will end up costing you They want their money. And you thought it was your Congress.

Richard Chambers

Barrington